My Dexcom Finally Arrived!

Yesterday, my Dexcom finally arrived in the mail. It came with a box of 4 sensors, too, but the transmitter was not included in the order. It is still being processed. There was a hiccup with the insurance company and Dexcom. They thought that I had ordered 2 transmitters and so they weren't going to cover the 2nd one. However, someone misread or misunderstood and thought that that meant BOTH transmitters were denied...so Dexcom didn't send me ANY. 

I'm still waiting to hear from Dexcom about the status of the transmitter. I tried to see if the problem originated in my endo's office but I couldn't get through in time. Thankfully I am going in on Monday and Thursday next week for labs and an appointment so I'll be able to talk to them then. Sadly, until my transmitter comes, I can't start using my Dexcom. It is a pretty cool looking device though, and it's so nice to finally have it in my hands.

My Insulin Pump Decision

I read a blog post/article the other day that helped me figure out what I should do about my pump decision.  The author mentioned a few things to take into consideration when deciding between a pump and injections. 

1.     The cost.  Pumps are more expensive and I don’t know how much my insurance will cover (probably only half, like with my Dexcom).

2.    Pumps can have more things go wrong than syringes can.  The battery can die; kinks and air bubbles can prevent insulin delivery; scar tissue build up will prevent insulin absorption; water damage and other malfunctions, etc. 

3.    Pumps don’t work for everyone.  The machine is only as good as its user.  Being on a pump before showed me that I wasn't a very good user.   

4.    Being connected to a pump was something I didn’t like years ago…in fact, I hated it.  The tubing would get caught on things if I wasn’t careful (and I’m clumsy, so that doesn’t help matters), the infusion site sometimes got yanked out prematurely (so annoying!), and I would sometimes drop the pump or it would fall from my hands (I fumble with things a lot).

5.    I want to see how well I do with being “connected” to the Dexcom.  Even though there’s no tubing connecting me to the receiver, I want to see how well I do with changing the transmitter site every week.  Most likely I will do well because it will be showing me patterns in my numbers and I will want to stay on top of them.  I like following numbers on charts and stuff.  Once a week is a whole lot better than every 3 days! 

Therefore, I have decided to not get a pump at this time.  I will be staying on shots.  They are working for me and I see no need to switch.  I just need to choke up on my discipline and I’ll be doing great.